UKHRUL, October 21, 2026: In a significant development for wildlife documentation and biodiversity conservation in Manipur, the elusive Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) has been recorded for the first time in the state through a camera trap installed in Shirui village of Ukhrul district.
The record, documented by ENFOGAL (Environmental Force at Grass Root Level), marks a notable addition to the documented wildlife diversity of Manipur and draws attention to the ecological importance of the Shirui Hills. The finding highlights the potential of the region’s forest landscape to support a diverse range of wildlife species, including elusive mammals that are rarely observed directly.
The Asian golden cat is a wild feline native to South and Southeast Asia. Known for its secretive behaviour and ability to remain concealed in forest habitats, the species is difficult to observe in the wild. Camera traps therefore play an important role in wildlife research, allowing researchers and conservation groups to document the presence of animals without disturbing their natural behaviour.
The species is classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, reflecting concerns about its long-term survival across its range. Habitat loss, forest degradation, hunting and other human-related pressures pose conservation challenges for wild feline populations in parts of Asia.
The camera-trap record from Shirui provides evidence of the Asian golden cat’s presence in the area and offers a new opportunity to examine the distribution of the species in Manipur. However, further surveys and scientific assessments will be needed to determine the extent of its presence, its habitat preferences and whether it occurs in other forested areas of the state.
The finding also brings renewed attention to the importance of protecting forest ecosystems in and around Shirui. Healthy and connected forest habitats are essential for supporting wildlife, maintaining ecological balance and allowing different species to survive amid changing environmental conditions.
Sustained wildlife monitoring could help build a more comprehensive picture of the biodiversity found in the Shirui landscape. Regular camera-trap surveys, habitat assessments and community participation in conservation initiatives could contribute valuable information for identifying wildlife movement patterns and areas requiring greater protection.
For ENFOGAL, the record represents an important contribution to documenting the region’s wildlife. Community-level monitoring efforts can play a significant role in identifying species presence, particularly in remote forest areas where systematic wildlife surveys may be limited.
The discovery underscores the need to strengthen forest conservation and biodiversity documentation across Ukhrul district. As further surveys are undertaken, the Shirui Hills may provide additional insights into the distribution of elusive wildlife species and the ecological value of Manipur’s forest landscapes.
The record of the Asian golden cat is therefore an important step in documenting the state’s wildlife, while highlighting the need for continued research and conservation efforts to protect the habitats on which such species depend.
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